US Vice-President JD Vance says Greenland is critical for the defence of the US and the world against possible Russian or Chinese missile attacks - and that Europe and Denmark have not done a good job in securing the area.
Vance told Fox News that they had not only under-invested in Greenland's defences, but also failed to engage with President Donald Trump's argument over the issue.
US officials are actively discussing a potential offer to buy Greenland - a semi-autonomous Danish territory - the White House said on Wednesday, a day after suggesting military action to annex it to the US was also an option.
Denmark, a fellow NATO member, has warned this would spell the end of the alliance.
Both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stressed the island is not for sale.
Despite being the most sparsely populated territory, Greenland's location between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems against missile attacks, and for monitoring vessels in the region.
Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, has been operated by the US since World War Two.
In recent years, there has also been increased interest in Greenland's natural resources - including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron - which are becoming easier to access as its ice melts due to climate change. Scientists think it could also have significant oil and gas reserves.
Vance emphasized that Greenland is a critical part of the US missile defense infrastructure, questioning whether Europeans and Danes have adequately secured the territory to serve as an anchor for world security.
This renewed focus on Greenland follows Trump's controversial military actions, prompting European leaders to rally behind Denmark, asserting that matters concerning Greenland must be decided by its people and their ally, Denmark.
Statements from various European leaders reaffirm support for Danish sovereignty over Greenland, emphasizing collective defense through NATO and upholding principles of territorial integrity.
